Tech Intervieww

Which project and problem-solving skills did you find the most challenging?  Please explain.

The project I found the most challenging was lesson 10 for the Arduino assignment. More specifically, I found the build of it challenging. This was the first new assignment I did without step-by-step instructions since I had done lesson 5 last year. This was a rather complex assignment, with so many different components required. Obviously, putting each individual component on the build was the easy part, the hard part was integrating it with other components. 

I was sick for one day during this assignment and the day I was sick, my other group members somehow finished the build. When I came back, nothing in the circuit would turn on. This overcomplicated the assignment and the messy cable management didn’t help. However, by utilizing the SPICE problem-solving model I was able to later fix the issue.

Describe a time during the course when you struggled and demonstrate how you overcame the obstacle using the problem-solving model.

During the lesson 10 arduino assignment, I struggled since after one day when I was sick my other group members finished the build, but it turned off within 5 seconds of plugging it in.

I utilized the SPICE problem-solving model to fix this issue. After already identifying the situation, and realizing that the problem I had to fix was some part of the build, I began investigating. I looked up how to connect each component online to make sure there weren’t any obvious mistakes in the build. I couldn't find anything wrong so then I decided to replicate the build on Tinkercad to identify if any parts were broken. No parts were broken, but what I realized was that the servo we used had different colouring for the wires and as a result, one of my group members connected it wrong, causing a short circuit.

After identifying this, I reconstructed part of the build to make sure the servo was in the right place by googling the part number to find out what each wire was. I then evaluated the new build and low and behold it worked.

What was your mindset before, during, and after engaging with fundamental programming concepts, such as the Lego and Arduino assignments?

Before engaging with fundamental programming concepts like Lego and Arduino assignments, I was excited because I took this class last year and liked the projects. As a result, I was excited to expand on what I learned and develop practical skills that have real-world applications.

As I began working on the assignments, I encountered a range of emotions. At times with new concepts, there were moments of frustration as I faced unfamiliar concepts and encountered roadblocks along the way. However, I remained determined and embraced each challenge as an opportunity to learn. I knew it would be worth it if I got through everything.

After the assignments, I felt a sense of pride and was happy that I was able to get through everything relatively quickly. This made me even more eager to learn more, leading me to take the grade 12 computer engineering course.

What did you already know about the function and development of a variety of computer hardware prior to the Arduino and Lego assignments, that helped you complete these assignments?

Last year, I did all the Arduino lessons until lesson 5. This allowed me to breeze through these lessons in a few days. This also helped me progress through the other lessons relatively quickly since I had strong foundations. The programming was trivial since I have been programming since elementary school.

In regard to the LEGO assignment, the project was exactly the same as last year’s ISU. As a result, my group progressed through the early stages really fast and were the first team to get a time on the board. With the extra time, we were also able to fix most of the parts where we lost marks last year to optimize our grades.

Describe a societal issues that relates to the widespread use of computer technology

One significant societal issue related to the widespread use of computer technology is data theft. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, the collection and storage of personal and sensitive information have become more prevalent. Data theft refers to unauthorized access or acquisition of this data, often for malicious purposes. Notable companies are often doing this, selling user data to foreign companies without consent.

I’ve personally seen this on TikTok where I actually was talking to Jacob about the math summative where one of the questions involved a roller coaster. After that, I went on TikTok and suddenly saw a bunch of videos about different theme parks and roller coasters. Before this, I never saw content of that sort, so this experience made me realize that apps like these need to be taken care of. There is a lot of talk about bans, but no action being taken.

Describe the importance of working with others. Describe how this relates to real life practical situations.

Working with others is of utmost importance as it brings forth numerous benefits. Collaboration allows individuals to tap into diverse perspectives, pooling together a variety of skills, experiences, and knowledge. In real-life practical situations, this becomes especially valuable.

In engineering, for instance, projects often require interdisciplinary teams to work together. Engineers with different specializations, such as mechanical, electrical, and software, collaborate to design and develop complex devices. Diverse perspectives help identify potential pitfalls, improve efficiency, enhance innovation, and ensure that projects meet diverse user needs.

What skills did you acquire while taking this course? Explain how they may help you in your future.

Throughout this course, I have acquired valuable skills that will have a positive impact on my future endeavours. Specifically, learning Arduino coding has equipped me with rudimentary skills in hardware and physical computing. This knowledge will be valuable as I pursue want to pursue a career in technology and knowing the basics like these is crucial. I want to pursue AI engineering so knowing low-level concepts like these can provide a good base.]

Moreover, the problem-solving methods I learned in this course, such as the SPICE method, have honed my analytical thinking skills and helped me develop a systematic approach to addressing real-life challenges. 

Why is paperwork such an important part of the problem solving model?

Paperwork, is a crucial part of the problem-solving model for several reasons. Firstly, it helps in capturing and organizing information related to the problem and its solution, allowing one to break up information into chunks. 

Documentation also enables effective communication and collaboration among team members. It serves as a reference point, allowing others to understand the problem, follow the steps taken, and review the outcomes. 

Lastly, paperwork also provides a historical record of past problems and how they were solved, allowing them to be immediately fixed if the problem reoccurs. This prevents re-inventing the wheel. This helped my group in the LEGO assignment as we looked at the observations from last year to fix issues we had.